FOCUS ON HYDROFORMING
“ Hydroforming , a method of shaping metals into lightweight , structurally stiff and strong pieces , has become a potential alternative to many traditional forming processes for highly complex components .”
FOCUS ON HYDROFORMING
We highlight the results of two AFRC collaborative hydroforming projects and their ramifications for material / design flexibility and weight / cost savings .
The University of Strathclyde ’ s Advanced Forming Research Centre ( the AFRC ), a specialist technology centre within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland ( NMIS ), is a globally recognised centre of excellence in innovative manufacturing technologies , R & D plus metal forming and forging research . For over a decade , the AFRC has been pushing the limits of advanced manufacturing and engineering and helping manufacturers to boost productivity . It is a rapidly growing research centre employing 74 people ( there are over 240 within NMIS ).
It is one of seven High-Value Manufacturing Catapult centres across the UK and the only one in Scotland . It offers businesses of all sizes and from all sectors access to equipment , expertise and collaborative working opportunities . In 2011 , the UK Government set up the HVM Catapult to act as the catalyst for growth and success of UK advanced manufacturing , aiming to turn ideas into commercial reality and bridging the gap between academia and industry .
The AFRC has collaborated with various manufacturers on hydroforming projects across the UK . Hydroforming is a cost-effective way of shaping metals into lightweight , structurally stiff and strong pieces . In recent years ( with advances in computer simulation , machine control and design for manufacturing ) it has become a potential alternative to many traditional forming processes to achieve highly complex components . In this article , we highlight the results of two collaborations with hydroforming process owners and their ramifications for sheet metal manufacturers .
Hybrid hydroforming challenge
Above : Hydroformed parts .
In a collaborative project with PAB Coventry , the AFRC helped to demonstrate that key luxury car components can be reduced in weight by 24 % with new hydroforming technology . As the world pushes towards net zero emissions targets , there is demand across the automotive sector to reduce vehicle weight and , therefore , CO 2 impact . This drive spans the entire industry from mass-produced models to heritage cars in the niche vehicle sector .
The AFRC helped to demonstrate that key luxury car components can be reduced in weight by 24 % with new hydroforming technology
The Advanced Forming Research Centre at the University of Strathcylde .
34 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR March 2022